About the Artist

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María José has played a key role in the promotion of Mexican culture and traditions in Toronto, Canada, since 1994. Her frequent travels to Mexico keep her connected with its history, people, and traditions. 

At the early age of 13, she became a member of “Alianza Mexicano Canadiense,” one of the very first Mexican dance groups, established in Toronto, where she later taught to both adults and children.
 

In 2005, she joined Ballet Folklorico Puro Mexico (BFPM) as a dancer and in 2007, was granted  the direction of the non-profit organisation. Under her direction, BFPM became the first Mexican dance group to receive the 1st place award in the folk-dance competition at the 2010 "International CHIN Picnic." During her tenure, the dance troupe participated in large-scale events within the province of Ontario such as, The Ontario Celebration Zone, hosted for the Pan-American games in 2015 and the Canada 150 official celebrations, hosted at Queens Park in 2017.

While directing the BFPM project, María José had the opportunity to fully design and execute Day of the Dead makeup and the traditional ofrenda exhibit at the Harbourfront Centre’s Day of the Dead celebrations, creating traditional altars dedicated to members of the community and important figures of Mexico’s past, such as: Don Gilberto Hernandez, Amalia Hernandez, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, Alfaro Siqueiros and Adela Velarde Perez (Adelita).

A graduate of George Brown’s Graphic Design program, María José has a new-found passion for "Dia de Los Muertos." She has had the select privilege of executing Day of the Dead makeup and wardrobe for many performers since 2013 and has initiated two new and independent projects “Catrinas Makeup & Design” & “Ballet Folklorico Alma Mexicana," both established in 2018.

Under "Catrinas Makeup & Design," Maria continues to explore her love for Mexican culture, fully focused on Day of the Dead makeup and styling.